On 29th September, the South China Morning Post carried on its front page a story based on sources in London that the United Kingdom Government is asking Hong Kong to pay £60 million, or roughly $840 million, as contribution to defence costs for the Colony over the next 5 years. This story was immediately picked up by the majority of the Chinese press the next morning.
Most of the headlines of the reports were critical, pointing out that the proposed increase in Garrison fees would become a heavy burden to Hong Kong, and that it is likely to arouse strong objections from the public.
On the following days, the papers continued to play up the above- mentioned points, but in addition to newspaper reports, many of the papers began to comment editorially on the issue.
The Communist papers have also shown interest in this issue and they attacked the proposed increase even more vehemently.
The following are the editorials and newspaper cuttings on the issue.
Increase of Hong Kong's Contribution to Defence Costs
Non-Communist Press
Fai Po (30.9.71)
(Estimated circulation : 97,000) Sing Tao Man Po (30.9.71)
(Estimated circulation: 160,000) New Life Evening Fost (30.9.71)
(Estimated circulation : 25,000
Nam Wah Man Po (30.9.71)
50,000)
(Estimated circulation: 50,000 - 75,000)
Wah Kiu Yat Po (1.10.71)
(Estimated circulation : 67,000)
Tin Tin Yat Po (1.10.71)
(Estimated circulation : 50,000 75,000)
Sing Tao Jih Po (5.10.71)
1.
2.
30
(Estimated circulation : 34,000)
We are firmly against this large increase in contribution to the defence costs. If the British Government forcibly imposes this term on us, it will arouse the indignation of all Hong Kong citizens and will cause chaos.
Hong Kong is in a special position, and the responsibility for too much Garrison fees may have adverse effects on Hong Kong's struggle to maintain the present condition, and this in turn may be disadvantageous to Britain.
Since our contribution to the defence costs is related to every citizen's livelihood, the public should have the right to voice their opinion. The Financial Secretary's refusal to comment on it until after having discussions with the Legislative Council is puzzling Garrison fee is no military secret and this large sum of money should not be decided by the Financial Secretary and the Legislative Council alone without giving the public a chance to say anything.
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